Once, a baby was born in a family of Brahmins. This baby was very illustrious. The baby turned into a very educated man in time. One day, he renounced the world and became an ascetic. He performed heavy penances. The stories of his penances and dedication spread everywhere. God also heard about them. He wanted to test the ascetic. He tested the ascetic in many ways. There were times when the ascetic was left with nothing to eat as God used to disguise himself and beg for alms. The ascetic would give away whatever food he had. But despite the hardships, the ascetic remained calm. Finally, after putting the ascetic through many hardships, God appeared before him. He said to the ascetic, “Ask me for any boon.” The ascetic said, “Please bless me so that I may not sway from my path.” God was very pleased and blessed him, and disappeared.
The Great Ascetic
